The Current
CBC
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 31, 2025 • 24min
Canada's food scene a story of immigration and community
Suresh Doss, a CBC food communicator and the creative mind behind Locals Welcome, dives deep into Canada's vibrant food scene shaped by immigration. He shares how diaspora restaurants reflect families' journeys and explore community connections. Suresh passionately argues that these ‘hidden gems’ are well-known to locals. He discusses the importance of food in storytelling and highlights the communal nature of sharing meals outdoors. With anecdotes of personal culinary experiences and insights on supporting local eateries, Suresh showcases food's unique power to unite people.
Dec 31, 2025 • 23min
How a grizzly on a B.C. island sent a community into crisis
Katrin Glenn-Bittner, a Texada Island resident and founder of the 'Save Tex' campaign, and Eric Blaney, a representative for local First Nations, delve into the gripping tale of a grizzly bear named Tex who unexpectedly swam to their island. They discuss the community's rapid shift from curiosity to fear, the mixed emotions surrounding Tex's presence, and the efforts to relocate him amidst rising tensions. The podcast also highlights the deep involvement of First Nations in decision-making and reflects on the aftermath of Tex's tragic fate, calling for future policy changes.
10 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 19min
What will AI look like in 2026?
Sinead Bovell, a Canadian futurist and founder of Way, alongside Jackson Kahn, CEO of Aperture AI and former federal policy advisor, delve into the transformative effects of AI in 2025 and predictions for 2026. They discuss how AI permeated daily life, its role as an invisible foundational technology, and its impact on job markets. Sinead warns of ongoing layoffs while highlighting new freelance opportunities. Jackson emphasizes the need for workforce education and addresses safety concerns amid growing AI capabilities and potential financial bubbles.
Dec 30, 2025 • 27min
Searching for Fela Kuti
Jad Abumrad, renowned for his work on Radiolab, dives into the life of Fela Kuti, the revolutionary behind Afrobeat. He explores Fela's rise as a political artist, his complex personal life, and the power of music as protest. Abumrad reveals how Fela's mother, an activist herself, shaped his worldview and discusses pivotal moments, like the transformation of his songs from dance tunes to political statements. He challenges listeners to consider if today's music can evoke Fela's kind of change.
Dec 30, 2025 • 19min
Are Canadians becoming less generous?
Jackie Speckin, a dedicated volunteer recognized with the Order of the Red Cross, shares her heartfelt experiences and motivations for service, highlighting her recent refugee work. Megan Conway, President of Volunteer Canada, discusses trends showing a drop in volunteerism post-pandemic and how younger generations prefer skill-based, episodic volunteering. Bruce McDonald, CEO of Imagine Canada, connects the decline in donations to loneliness and economic pressures, warning about the eroding support for community services if these trends continue.
Dec 30, 2025 • 25min
Jordan TooToo says life in North made him a better NHL player
Jordan TooToo, a former NHL enforcer from Rankin Inlet, shares his powerful journey from the Arctic to the NHL. He discusses how growing up in the North shaped his resilience and hockey skills, highlighting the tranquility of pond hockey. Jordan reflects on the impact of his late brother Terrence, the pressures of being the first Inuk in the NHL, and his battle with substance abuse. Sobriety transformed his life and career, with the land remaining a crucial healing force. He encourages Indigenous youth to chase their dreams and seek help.
Dec 29, 2025 • 27min
How this conductor is bringing Powell River, B.C. together with music
Arthur Arnold, a veteran conductor who resigned from the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in protest of the Ukraine invasion, now brings his passion for music to Powell River, B.C. He discusses the transformational power of PRISMA, the local music festival, and how it fosters community connections. Arnold's initiatives help revive the town's cultural roots, engaging locals from youth mentorship programs to collaborations with Indigenous artists. His story reveals how music has become a soothing balm for the community, especially during challenging times like COVID.
Dec 29, 2025 • 20min
The power of going ‘Against the Grain’ with Terry O’Reilly
Terry O'Reilly, the insightful host of CBC's 'Under the Influence' and author of 'Against the Grain,' dives deep into the stories of mavericks who defied the odds. He discusses Gustave Eiffel's bold vision for the Eiffel Tower, the revolutionary advertising techniques of Lasker and Bernbach, and Taylor Swift’s unique approach to controlling her music career. O'Reilly also explores why society often rejects new ideas and how criticism can either fuel or defeat innovation. His key takeaway? Persistence is key to reshaping the world.
Dec 29, 2025 • 20min
One word to describe 2025 politics? Our National Affairs Panel weighs in
Join political heavyweights Rosemary Barton, CBC's chief political correspondent, Ryan Tumilty of the Toronto Star, and Rob Shaw from Czech News as they dissect a groundbreaking year in Canadian politics. They discuss Prime Minister Mark Carney's transformative first year and the fallout from Justin Trudeau's exit. Tune in for insights on Pierre Poilievre's leadership woes, tariff impacts, and shifting party dynamics. The panel also speculates on the implications for 2026, including the challenges Carney faces with a changing U.S. landscape and internal party tensions.
Dec 26, 2025 • 15min
How are you feeling about the economy and politics?
Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute, offers a keen analysis of Canadian sentiments in the wake of a tumultuous year. She highlights that Canadians feel exhausted and disoriented, with ongoing concerns around housing, cost of living, and health care. There's a notable shift towards increased defense spending and diversifying trade partners away from the U.S. Additionally, Kurl explores growing skepticism towards immigration, the political effects of figures like Trump and Carney, and the potential for an early election.
